Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam is a famous Hindu temple which is located in Puducherry, India this temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is one of the oldest temples in the area and it built over 500 years ago before the French arrived in 1666. Located in White Town it is just 400 meters from the Bay of Bengal and 1.7 kilometers from Puducherry Railway Station. The temple covers 7,913 square feet and has a gold-plated kodi kambam (flagpole) that stands 18 feet tall. Another highlight is the golden chariot, made with 7.5 kilograms of gold, worth about 35 lakh rupees, built from devotee donations.
The temple is open daily from 5:45 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM welcoming over 1 million visitors yearly. the temple is busiest during the 24-day. Brahmotsavam festival is celebratd in this temple in August-September and Ganesh Chaturthi. The main idol is have a 5-foot-tall Ganesha statue faces east and attracts devotees seeking blessings. The temple is 165 kilometers south of Chennai and 35 kilometers east of Villupuram. Entry is free, and it takes about 1 hour to explore. The best time to visit is October to March when the weather is cool.
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Overview of the Arulmigu Manakula
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Pondicherry, India |
| Deity | Lord Ganesha |
| Visiting Hours | 5:45 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Darshan Tickets | Free entry; special tickets available |
| Special Days | Wednesdays and Chaturthi |
What are the Temple Timings
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam |
| Morning Timings | 5:45 AM to 12:30 PM |
| Evening Timings | 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM |
| Open Days | Every day (7 days a week) |
| Break Time | 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Total Open Hours | 10 hours 15 minutes daily |
What are the Ticket Prices
| Seva/Darshan Name | Description | Ticket Price (Approx.) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | Free entry to see Lord Ganesha | Free (0 Rs) | 5:45 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Special Darshan | Faster queue to see the deity | Rs 50 – 100 (if available) | During temple hours |
| Abhishekam | Bathing the idol with milk, water, etc. | Rs 200 – 500 (donation) | Morning (varies, often 6:00 AM) |
| Archana | Chanting deity’s names with offerings | Rs 20 – 50 | During temple hours |
| Golden Chariot Procession | Offering for the chariot event | Rs 500 – 1000 (donation) | Vijayadashami day (once a year) |
| Annadhanam | Food offering to devotees | Rs 1000+ (sponsorship) | Varies, often midday |
| Coconut Breaking | Breaking coconuts as an offering | Free (buy coconut ~Rs 20) | Anytime during temple hours |
Booking Darshan Tickets
- Visit the official temple website or the booking counter at the temple.
- Select the ‘Darshan Tickets’ option.
- Choose the date and time for your darshan.
- Provide the necessary details such as name, contact number, and number of people.
- Make the payment online or at the counter.
- Receive the confirmation and carry it with you during your visit.
Dress Code
The dress code for Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam is simple and follows traditional temple rules.
Men:
- Men Wear’s a dhoti, kurta or shirt and pants while in the temple . Traditional clothes like a veshti (white dhoti) with a shirt are permissible in the temple
- Men Avoids shorts, sleeveless shirts or very casual clothes like ripped jeans in the temple
Women:
- the women will Wear a saree, salwar kameez or churidar with a dupatta when the take a look at the idol. Long skirts with a modest top are also okay.
- Any religion is Avoid short dresses, skirts above the knee, or tight-fitting clothes.
General Rules:
- Clothes should cover shoulders and knees for both men and women.
- Remove shoes before entering the temple. There’s usually a place to keep them outside.
- Bright or flashy outfits are not preferred—keep it simple and respectful.
- These rules help maintain the temple’s sanctity. If you’re unsure, traditional Indian attire is always a safe choice
Dos and Don’ts
Dos:
- Wear traditional and modest clothing.
- Maintain silence and respect the sanctity of the temple.
- Offer prayers and donations as per your capacity.
- Follow the temple’s rules and guidelines.
Don’ts:
- Do not wear inappropriate or revealing clothing.
- Avoid carrying electronic gadgets inside the temple.
- Do not litter the temple premises.
- Refrain from taking photographs inside the temple.
Important Timings and Dates
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| Daily Opening | 5:45 AM |
| Daily Closing | 12:30 PM |
| Evening Reopening | 4:00 PM |
| Evening Closing | 9:30 PM |
| Special Days | Wednesdays and Chaturthi |